Wild Arctic Shores: Circumnavigating Iceland and Exploring Greenland

Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.

Explore the dramatic and remote Westfjords region of Iceland. Hike along the base of a fjord to discover a towering waterfall before entering Ísafjarðardjúp, known for its wealth of wildlife, including whales, seals and countless nesting seabirds. Land at Vigur Island, a fragile wildlife sanctuary, where the landowners continue the traditional eiderdown collection and cleaning process and are active stewards of the colonies of puffins, eider ducks and black guillemots who call the island home.

Siglufjörður was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. Stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Enjoy the surroundings of Iceland's northern most mainland settlement by joining the local forestry association for an afternoon of conservation in their local woods.

East Greenland is one of the world’s most remote and dramatic Arctic regions, defined by towering mountains, vast fjords, and colossal icebergs sculpted by glaciers. Its sparse human population maintains a strong Inuit culture rooted in traditional hunting, art, and legend, offering a unique glimpse into life on the edge of the Arctic world. The wild coastal waters and rugged tundra are rich with Arctic wildlife, from whales and seals to musk oxen and occasional polar bears, against a backdrop of pristine wilderness. Here, the world’s largest fjord system, Scoresby Sund, and the nearby Northeast Greenland National Park showcase staggering scale and raw natural beauty. Access is limited, making East Greenland a truly remote destination for adventurous explorers and nature lovers.

Húsavík is the gateway to the Highlands of northern Iceland. Depart for a full day overland visiting one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Goðafoss, as well as Lake Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Alternatively, enjoy an adventurous journey through Ásbyrgi Canyon, said to be formed from the hoof of Odin, with a stop at Dettifoss, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, or stay along the coast and enjoy a slower pace to the day with forest bathing, bird watching and a soak in the GeoSea bath.

This morning, take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grímsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Celebrate officially arriving in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars and puffins in their burrows. Enjoy an afternoon at sea sailing around the northern corner of Iceland as you continue circumnavigating the island.

Located on the eastern shore of Iceland, Borgarfjörður Eystri is well known for its local puffin colony and stunning fjord framed by the Svartvell Summit. Challenge yourself with a hike up to the summit, standing over 1000 feet above sea level, or bike into the backcountry to take in a different perspective on the surrounding mountain range. Join a local guide on a walk through the small village, including a stop at the local eider down shop or get a taste of the local libations. Throughout the day, enjoy some free time observing the puffins in their bustling island colony as they make their way in and out of their burrows.

The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—which you'll see as you cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, for amazing views of areas once engulfed by lava.

Disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home.